The author points out that the first two waves of American and British settlers have given very special traits to the Eastern Townships: the ways of occupying the territory, the architectural styles, the proximity of the American border, all this has contributed to give this region its particular characteristics. However, she argues that it is the multiplicity of religious beliefs that has made the Townships so unique. The author notes that the numerous “evangelistic” denominations imported from New England by the first settlers have contributed to the building of many churches that are still part of the Townships' landscape. Whether Congregationalists, Baptists, Methodists or Universalists, she notes that these temples erected by these confessions early in the nineteenth century present different architectural characteristics. Adding to this list the Anglican churches, whose more “official” presence tends to rise above the landscape, the author maintains that the obvious conclusion is that the Protestant religious architecture of the Townships is unique in the built heritage of Quebec.

Publication

Journal of Eastern Townships Studies/Revue d’études de Cantons de l’Est